A charity worker at a Rotherham vulnerable adults centre allegedly manipulated an abuse victim into handing over £16,000 of her criminal injuries compensation, Sheffield Crown Court heard. Kathryn Kelwick, 55, who managed vulnerable adults at Swinton Lock Activity Centre, is accused of using "manipulative behaviours" to persuade the woman, whom she supported as a friend and worker, to split her pay-out with her. Kelwick denies one count of fraud and says she received the money as part of their friendship.

The complainant told the court she was awarded £33,000 by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority after Kelwick encouraged her to claim, and later sent Kelwick £11,000 in September 2021 and £5,000 in May 2022, saying she felt Kelwick had "got in my head". The defence argued the payments were freely given gifts with "no strings attached" following a row between the pair. The centre's manager told the court staff had to declare gifts and could not accept cash, and that Kelwick was dismissed for gross misconduct once the payments came to light. The trial continues.